This section covers access to courts. Courtrooms traditionally have been open to the public, but judges often close proceedings or seal documents when they feel secrecy is justified. This section also covers state and federal laws governing camera coverage of trials.

Digital Journalist's Legal Guide

Everything online journalists need to protect their legal rights. This free resource culls from all Reporters Committee resources and includes exclusive content on digital media law issues.

Handbooks & Guides

Briefs & Comments

The Reporters Committee and 32 media organizations filed an amici brief in support of the Miami Herald’s appeal before the Second Circuit on its motion to unseal Giuffre v. Maxwell. The district court denied the Miami Herald's motion to unseal the underlying case, a defamation lawsuit brought by one of the alleged victims of sex trafficking by financier Jeffrey Epstein. The amici brief highlights the importance of public access to judicial records, arguing that the district court erred in dismissing the significant public interest in the records of this case. It further argues that the district court should have done an individualized right of access analysis on each judicial record, rather than authorizing blanket sealing and redaction.